President Obama’s Weekly Address: America Stands with Boston

The White House(WASHINGTON) — In his weekly address, President Obama continues to uplift the people of Boston in the wake of the act of terror at the Boston Marathon that wounded dozens and killed three people Monday.

In the days since the bombings, the president says, “the world has witnessed one sure and steadfast truth: Americans refuse terrorized.”

Ultimately, he says, what will remain after this week is the “stories of heroism and kindness; resolve and resilience; generosity and love.”

President Obama praises the courage of the first responders “who ran toward danger to help their fellow citizens.” He adds that the race volunteers, spectators and runners “rushed to help,” never expecting “to see such scenes on the streets of America.”

He thanks the doctors and nurses “who have toiled day and night to save so many lives,” and the “big-hearted people of Boston “who carried victims in their arms; delivered water and blankets; lined up to give blood [and] opened their homes to total strangers.”

Finally, the president expresses gratitude on behalf of the entire country to the federal agents and law enforcement “who worked together throughout the week, often at great risk to themselves, to keep our communities safe.”

“If anyone wants to know who we are; what America is; how we respond to evil and terror — that’s it. Selflessly. Compassionately. And unafraid,” the president says in his address, before concluding:

“Through days that would test even the sturdiest of souls, Boston’s spirit remains undaunted. America’s spirit remains undimmed. Our faith in each other, our love for this country, our common creed that cuts across whatever superficial differences we may have – that’s what makes us strong. That’s why we endure.

In the days to come, we will remain vigilant as a nation. And I have no doubt the city of Boston and its surrounding communities will continue to respond in the same proud and heroic way that they have thus far – and their fellow Americans will be right there with them every step of the way. May God bless the people of Boston and the United States of America.”